Good morning Ballarat and happy Monday, here are today's top stories.
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Man dies at Rainbow Serpent
A man has died at the controversial Rainbow Serpent Music and Arts Festival in Lexton. Read more.
Be wary, severe fire risk declared
Authorities are preparing for the worst fire danger day of the 2016-2017 fire season with soaring temperatures coupled with gusty winds pushing the region into a severe danger period. Read more.
Double the fun as school year begins
It will be a case of seeing double for teachers at Linton Primary School and Ballarat North Primary School when two sets of twins embark on their first day at school this week. Read more.
Fire Hawk prepared to battle blazes
The visiting Black Hawk helicopter, dubbed the Fire Hawk, can fill up its 3400 litres bucket in 38 seconds and fly at a speed of more than 200 km/h. Read more.
Centenary celebration an achievement for RSL
A centenary is an anniversary worthy of a celebration. Read more.
Weather
It's expected to reach a top of 32 degrees today, before the cool change hits this evening.
State of the nation
Need a national news snapshot first thing – well, we have you covered.
► Batemans Bay: Man dead after truck rolls over on Kings Highway
A man has died after his semi-trailer overturned near Clyde Mountain on the road to Batemans Bay Saturday morning. Read more.
► Tasmania: Forensic officers are examining a residence at Newnham where an incident is believed to have occurred around New Year’s in relation to missing Mowbray man Bradley Breward. Read more.
► TAMWORTH: He came to Tamworth for an official visit and to soak up some festival hospitality, but on Saturday night it was all about the music for Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove. Full story.
► BALLARAT, VIC: Authorities are preparing for the worst fire danger day of the 2016-2017 fire season with soaring temperatures coupled with gusty winds pushing the region into a severe danger period. Full story.
► REDLANDS: NORTH Stradbroke Island rangers are warning Moreton Bay residents and visitors to be on the lookout for morbakka jellyfish after finding one in shallows.
National park rangers saw a morbakka at Swan Bay on the southern end of North Stradbroke (Minjerribah). Read more.
Photo spotlight – Australian Open Day 8
Click on the photo for more images from the Australian Open
National news
► SYDNEY: The entry into service of the first of six new government-owned ferries on Sydney Harbour in 16 years has been delayed because the Catherine Hamlin's small rudders and shallow hull make it difficult to manoeuvre in high winds. Full story.
►CYBERBULLYING: Cyberbullying is at the top of parents' minds as they send their teenage kids back to school this week, a study has shown. Full story.
QUEANBEYAN: Gladys Berejiklian and John Barilaro's first cabinet is a strange mix of reward, square-ups and preparation for the 2019 election fight. Read more.
National weather radar
On this day
1933 - "The Lone Ranger" was heard on radio for the first time. The program ran for 2,956 episodes and ended in 1955.
1933 - Adolf Hitler was named the German Chancellor.
1964 - January 30 - The U.S. launched Ranger 6. The unmanned spacecraft carried television cameras and was intentionally crash-landed on the moon. The cameras did not return any pictures to Earth.
1968 - The Tet Offensive began as Communist forces launched surprise attacks against South Vietnamese provincial capitals.
International news
► US: A US service member died of injuries suffered during a weekend raid against al-Qaeda militants in Yemen, the military said on Sunday – President Donald Trump's first direct military engagement as Commander in Chief. Full story.
► MYANMAR: A legal adviser to Myanmar's ruling National League for Democracy was assassinated outside a busy airport on Sunday amid heightened communal tensions in the Buddhist majority country. Full story.
PERTH: The wreck of HMAS Perth I, sunk off the coast of Indonesia in WW2, is a war grave for hundreds of Australian soldiers, but there are fears that scavengers are finishing off the job that Japanese destroyers began. Full story.
Faces of Australia: David Barnes.
Retired engineer - specialised in water and wastewater (sewage) systems. A great profession because there is an ongoing and continuous demand for the service. Currently chief grounds steward for Kiama Show and as senior vice-president will become show president. Read on.